Pile fabric cutting device



y 17, 1956 I P. GREENWOOD 2,754,564

FILE FABRIC CUTTING DEVICE Filed Dec. 10, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 l N V E N TO R gzzz/ reezzwood y 17, 1956 P. GREENWOOD 2,754,564

FILE FABRIC CUTTING DEVICE Filed D60. 10, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Paul Green Wood ATTORNEY July 17, 1956 P. GREENWOOD 2,754,564

FILE FABRIC CUTTING DEVICE Filed Dec. 10, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 J SZQWM ATTORNEY United States Patent PILE FABRIC CUTTING DEVICE Paul Greenwood, Willimantic, Conn., assignor to Ross Washer, New York, N. Y.

Application December 10, 1954, Serial No. 474,473

8 Claims. (CI. 26-14) This invention relates to apparatus for weaving pile fabrics and, more particularly, to an improved and simplified pile cutting arrangement for pile fabric looms.

In the weaving of a pile fabric, such as velvets, velours, plushes, carpets, terry cloth, etc., two pieces of fabric are bound together, by either a one-shed or a two-shed weave, by yarn woven into the fabrics. In one known type of weaving pile fabrics, two woven fabrics are brought in superposed relation through a slotted bar and respectively wound on upper and lower take-up rolls. Just before the two fabrics pass through the slotted bar, a device shown as a reed beats the filling up to the fabrics so that it is woven into the latter to bind the fabrics together. As the bound together fabrics emerge from the slotted bar, the threads or loops thus formed are severed midway between the two fabrics by a knife carried by cutting bar or truck which traverses each successive row of loops. The severed fabrics are then wound on the take-up rolls.

The motion of the cutting bar is carefully synchronized with that of the reeds, so that the knife on the cutting bar cuts the loops after the reeds are withdrawn from the fabrics, and the cutting bar is, in turn, withdrawn before the next operation of the reeds. A known pile cutting arrangement comprises a cutting bar or truck reciprocated transversely of the fabric in synchronism with the operation of the reeds. This truck carries a knife which, in one direction of movement of the truck, is projected to engage and sever the newly formed loops.

The driving mechanism for reciprocating the truck involves. a relatively complicated arrangement, including reciprocating parts, which operate on an endless cord or belt attached to the truck. The inertia, friction, and vibration of the driving elements, particularly those which reciprocate, severely limit the practical operating speed of the cutting operation, in turn limiting the output speed of the loom. The knife must be made relatively heavy, for example, 2 lbs. 12 oz. in one case, to be rugged enough to withstand the rapid reciprocation. This further increases the inertia of the parts.

While a one-shed velvet is generally recognized as a better velvet than a two-shed velvet, the aforementioned speed limitation of the cutting arrangement makes it uneconomical to weave a one-shed velvet. Even with a two-shed weave, only four to six looms can be attended by one operator. A higher loom speed would increase the output of each operator.

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention is directed to pile cutting arrangements in which the driving mechanism for the knife-carrying truck includes only parts moving always in the same direction and not oscillating or reciprocating. As the knife is no longer reciprocated, but has a unidirectional movement, it can be made much lighter and still have adequate structural sta- .bility. For example, the knife used with the invention arrangement can weigh six ounces or less., Thus, the aforementioned difficulties due to inertia, friction and vibration of reciprocating elements of the driving mechanism are eliminated, and a higher loom speed and higher loom output are obtained, along with an increase in the number of looms which can be attended by one operator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a rigid guide track is mounted to extend substantially parallel to and intermediate the upper and lower take-up rolls. in parallel spaced relation beneath this track is a return guide. End guides extend between the corresponding ends of the guide track and return guide. At each corner of the framework thus formed is a chain sprocket on a horizontal axis, and an endless chain extends over these sprockets and along a longitudinal recess in the guide track upper surface.

One or more knife carrying trucks are linked to the chain and have shoes slidably interfitting the guide track. These trucks each carry a knife projecting from a longitudinal edge thereof to engage and sever the loops. The truck also carries guide means engageable with the end guides and the return guide.

One of the sprockets is driven by the crank or cam shaft of the loom so as to draw the knife trucks, through the medium of the chain, along the guide track in timed relation with the operation of the shuttles and reeds. The knife trucks always move in the same direction along the guide track, returning along the return guide. Thus, there are no reciprocating elements in the truck driving mechanism, whereby higher cutting speeds, with reduced friction and substantial elimination of vibration, are obtained. As the motion of the knife is unidirectional relative to the loops, the knife does not have to be retracted in its return stroke, thus eliminating the complicated means hitherto required to retract the knife with reciprocating cutting trucks.

For an understanding of the invention principles, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through a pile cutting arrangement embodying the invention, only associated parts of the loom being shown;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view illustrating the upper guide track and the knife truck thereon; and

Fig. 4 is a similar view of the knife truck on the lower return guide.

Referring to the drawings, the pile cutter of the invention is illustrated as incorporated in a loom 10 of the type in which two woven fabrics 11 and 12 are drawn, in superposed relation, through a slot 16 between an elongated T-bar 17 and an elongated keybar 18, with fabrics 11 and 12 being wound over upper and lower rotatable take-up rolls 13 and 14, respectively.

Just before fabrics 11 and 12 pass through slot 16, they are interconnected by successive transverse rows of loops 15 formed by a reed (not shown) which pushes the filling into the fabrics for interweaving therewith to unite the fabrics. As the reeds are withdrawn after forming a row of loops 15 between the fabrics entering slot 16, a row of loops emerging from slot 16 is cut by a knife 35 carried by a knife truck 40 forming part of the pile cutting arrangement described more in detail hereinafter.

The pile cutting arrangement includes a supporting frame 21 adjustably mounted on the loom structure, studs 22 being provided to adjust the relative height of frame 21 so as to center knife 35 accurately with respect to the height of slot 16. Incorporated with frame 21, and preferably integral therewith, is an upper rigid guide track 20 for truck 40, track 20 extending along and parallel to slot 16. A return guide 25 for truck 40 extends beneath and parallel to track 20, and end guides 30 and 30' interconnect track and return guide at each end of the latter to form a closed or endless path of guided movement for truck 40.

Track 20 is formed with an upwardly opening trough or groove 23 receiving an endless, roller driving chain 50 for truck 40. Chain 50 is trained over sprockets 51 through 54 at each corner of frame 21. The sprockets rotate on horizontal axes, and sprocket 51 is driven by the crank or cam shaft of the loom (not shown). Upper sprockets 51 and 52 are fixed in position, but either or both the lower sprockets 53, 54 may be made adjustable to determine the tension of chain 50.

In the usual manner, chain 5t) includes rollers 55 on shafts or axles 56 forming pivots interconnecting successive side links 57. A pair of adjacent shafts 56 are extended somewhat to pivotally receive brackets 41 on the inner surface of truck 40. Each of these brackets comprises a pair of angularly bent straps rivetted together and including legs 42 apertured to receive a shaft 56, intermediate portions 43 extending perpendicular to chain 50, and coplanar, oppositely extending outer legs 44 rivetted or otherwise secured to a relatively thin flat plate 45 forming the body of truck 40.

Track 20 is formed with flat surfaces 24 on either side of trough 23, and plates 26 secured to these surfaces extend toward bracket 41 to substantially close the trough to prevent lubricant for chain 50 being thrown onto the fabrics. On either side of surfaces 24, track 20 is formed with raised dove-tail rails 27 which cooperatively receive dove-tail shoes 46 secured to plate 45. One shoe 46 is fixed to plate 45 and the other shoe is adjustably secured thereto to adjust the fit of truck 40 on track 20. Such adjustment is effected by a stud 47 threaded through a flange 48 on plate 45 to engage the adjustable shoe 46 and carrying a lock nut 49.

A pair of rollers 60 are rotatably mounted on laterally spaced pins 61 on the upper surface of plate 45 for rotation about axes perpendicular to the plate. As truck 40 leaves one end of track 20, the outer ends of rollers 60 engage the end guides 30 and ride therealong toward return guide 25. This return guide includes a relatively rigid elongated base 31 having slotted perpendicular flanges 32 on each longitudinal edge receiving an elongated channel shaped cover 33. Base 31 carries a pair of laterally spaced guide rails 34 embraced by rollers 60 as truck moves along return guide 25.

At the other end of return guide 25, the outer ends of rollers 60 engage end guide 3% for guided return to the starting end of track 2t). This end of track 2%, as well as the other end thereof, may be suitably tapered or curved to facilitate transition of truck 40 between track 20 and end guides 30, 3%.

Knife 35 is a relatively light weight fiat member having a sharpened edge 36 arranged to sever loops 15. The knife is clamped between plate and a clamping bar 37 to project from the inner'edge of truck 4% toward slot 16.

In operation, chain draws truck 40 with knife 35 continuously in the same direction along track 20, end guide 30, return guide 25, end guide 30', and back to track 20. As truck 40' is making its return movement along elements 30, 25, 30', the reeds'form a new row of loops l5 entering slot 16. The reeds are withdrawn as truck 40 moves onto track Zlland knife 35" severs the formed loops emerging from slot 16 to provide piles on fabrics l1, l2; As'truck 40" passes along track 20, edge 36 of knife 35' is drawn over' sharpening stones 38 to resharpen the knife.

While a specific embo'dirnent'of the'invention' has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the'application of the invention principles, it will be understood that he invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a lo'oin'foi"formingpilefabrics by uniting two fabrics by successive transverse rows of loops bound into the fabrics, and subsequently cutting the loops of each successive row, to form a pile on the fabric, a pile cutting arrangement comprising a guiding structure including a guide track extending along and substantially parallel to the rows of loops; a return guide in spaced substantially parallel relation to said guide track; guide means extending between corresponding ends of said guide track and said return guide; a truck mounted for movement along said guiding structure; a knife on said truck engageable with the loops to cut the same as the truck moves along said guide track; and driving means moving said truck continuously in the same direction along said guiding structure; said driving means comprising an endless chain extending around and along said guiding structure, uni-directional drive means for said chain, and means securing said truck to a point on said chain; said guide track having a longitudinally extending trough receiving said chain and a pair of rails outwardly of said groove engaging said truck.

2. A pile cutting arrangement as claimed in claim 1 in which said truck has a pair of shoes on its inner surface slidably engaging said rails.

3. In combination with a loom for forming pile fabrics by uniting two fabrics by successive transverse rows of loops bound into the fabrics, and subsequently cutting the loops of each successive row, to form a pile on the fabric, a pile cutting arrangement comprising a guiding structure including'a guide track extending along and substantially parallel to the rows of loops; a return guide in spaced substantially parallel relation to said guide track; guide means extending between corresponding ends of said guide track and said return guide; a truck mounted for movement along said guiding structure; a knife on said truck engageable with the loops to cut the same as the truck moves along said guide track; and driving means moving said truck continuously in the same direction along said guiding structure; said driving means comprising an endless chain extending around and along said guiding structure, unidirectional driving means for said chain, and means securing said truck to a point on said chain; said guide track having a longitudinally extending trough receiving said chainand a pair of rails outwardly of said groove; said truck having a pair of shoes on its inner surface slidably engaging said rails; and means on the outer surface of said truck engageable with said return guide and said guide means.

4. In combination with a loom for forming pile fabrics by uniting two fabrics by successive transverse rows of loops bound into the fabrics, and subsequently cutting the loops of each successive row, to form a pile on the fabric, a pile cutting arrangement comprising a guiding structure including a guide track extending along and substantially parallel to the rows of loops; a return guide in spaced substantially parallel relation to said guide track; guide rneansextending between corresponding ends of said guide track and said return guide; a truck mounted for movement along saidguiding structure; a knife on said truck engageable with the loops to cut the same as the truck moves along said guide track; and driving means moving said 'tru ck continuously in the same direction along said guiding structure; said driving means comprising an endless chain extending around and along said guiding structure, unidirectional driving means for said chain, and means securing said truck to a point on said chain; said guide track having a longitudinally extending trough receiving said chain and a pair of rails outwardly of said grooves; said truck h'aving'a pair of shoes on' its inner surface slidably engaging said rails; and a pair'of rollers rotatably mounted'on transversely spaced axes extending perpendicularly to the outer surface'of said truck engageable with said return guide and said guide means.

5. A pile cutting arrangement as claimed in claim 4 in which'said return guide and said guide means include transversely spaced rails engageable with said rollers.

6. A pile cutting arrangement as claimed in claim 5 in which said return guide includes a housing enclosing a pair of transversely spaced rails embracably engageable by said rollers; and each guide means includes a pair of transversely spaced rails aligned with said rollers and engageable with the outer ends thereof.

7. In combination with a loom for forming pile fabrics by uniting two fabrics by successive transverse rows of loops bound into the fabrics, and subsequently cutting the loops of each successive row, to form a pile on the fabric, a pile cutting arrangement comprising a guiding structure including a guide track extending along and substantially parallel to the rows of loops; a return guide in spaced substantially parallel relation to said guide track; guide means extending between corresponding ends of said guide track and said return guide; a truck mounted for movement along said guiding structure; a knife on said truck engageable with the loops to cut the same as the truck moves along said guide track; and driving means moving said truck continuously in the same direction along said guiding structure; said driving means comprising an endless chain extending around and along said guiding structure, unidirectional driving means for said chain, and means securing said truck to a point on said chain; said guide track having a longitudinally extending trough receiving said chain and a pair of rails outwardly of said trough; said truck comprising a flat plate having a pair of shoes on its inner surface engaging said rails; said securing means extending from said plate into said trough; and means substantially closing said trough except for a slot along which said securing means moves.

8. A pile cutting arrangement as claimed in claim 7, in which said chain is a roller chain and said securing means is pivotally connected to a roller axle thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 593,957 Burt Nov. 16, 1897 655,674 Fischer et a1 Aug. 7, 1900 670,020 Hallensleben Mar. 19, 1901 1,972,209 Turner Sept. 4, 1934 

